Combining Ability Analysis in Pigeonpea (Cajanus Cajan (L) Mill Sp.)

The combining ability analysis of 39 hybrids between 3 lines and 13 testers evaluated with the parents in pigeon pea revealed a significant role of additive and nonadditive gene action, the former being predominant for pods/plant and 100-seed weight and the latter for dap to maturity, plant height and seed yield. Only additive gene action was found operative for pod length. The good combining parents for different characters could be identified for use as a favourable source of gene(s) to effect improvement in specific traits. About 1/3 of the total hybrids depicted significant and positive sca effects and a high degree of heterosis over better parents for seed yield favouring hybrid breeding programme when male sterility is available in pigeonpea. The number of pods per plant and pod length can be improved by straight selection. Some form of population improvement would be more useful to improve seed yield.